Letters

For years, I never knew who our probate judge was. This is an important office because the probate judge is an elected official who is responsible for wills and mental-health commitments. These are important issues which affect many local families. Shouldn’t we know who is in charge?

If someone can be in office for a long time and you don’t know who they are, maybe it’s time for a change. If you don’t know who is in charge, maybe someone else needs to be put in charge.

In November, voters will elect a new solicitor. This person will be the chief prosecutor in Chester, Fairfield and Lancaster counties.

As the son of a career police officer with more than three decades’ experience, who stood in a courtroom last year to speak at the sentencing of the man charged with killing my brother, the issues at stake in the race for solicitor hit close to home for me and my family.

I am writing in support of James Brooks, candidate for Lancaster County school board, District 1. James lives and practices three major attributes that will be demanded by this job: leadership skills, communication skills and dedication to community.

James’ leadership is clearly demonstrated by professional activity as vice president of a major construction firm, through his membership and participation in the Indian Land Rotary Club as an officer and board member and his co-chairmanship of the Board of Zoning Appeals for Lancaster County.

In less than two weeks, the voters of Lancaster County will be tasked with the responsibility of choosing the best person to manage a government office that, sooner or later, will affect every family in our area – the probate judge. In this election, the voters are offered two sharply contrasting candidates with regard to their levels of relative preparedness for the challenges that face them.

John Hess is running for the Lancaster County Council District 4 seat. And I am voting for him. Washington and Columbia continue to increase taxes while decreasing services. Federal and state governments are out of control. Things must change.
We can’t keep doing the same kind of tax-and-spend in Lancaster County either.
County officials have to learn to control the spending of our tax dollars. The answer is not to continue increasing taxes.

I read lots of posts as to why I should not vote for a particular Republican because he or she voted yes or no on a certain bill. They can’t tell you why they voted as they did, since all they read was a headline.

Let’s just cut to the chase. President Barack Obama has made this election easy. If you like higher taxes, more debt, higher medical premiums, continued unemployment, more scandals and cover-ups, plus more welfare, Muslims and floods of illegals, then simply don’t vote (like in 2012) or vote Democrat.

Freeman Burns is a breath of fresh air. He offers us strength, innovation and a pro-active look into the future of our children.

Our district is growing in leaps and bounds. We have more students to educate and more students for which to build a better future. Mr. Burns will fight for our children, which ultimately means he will also be fighting for a better tomorrow for all.

In October, America celebrates the harvest, specifically initiatives to put healthy, locally grown food on our children’s plates at school. And it all starts with America’s farmers and ranchers.

Many of us who raise our own food, whether in a pot or a small garden, do so as a hobby. If there’s too much heat, not enough rain or too many pests, we are disappointed and frustrated, but the love of growing fresh, nutritious foods pulls us through tough times.